Berlin

Eili Harboe - Norway - European Shooting Stars 2018 

Interview / Editing: Martin I. Petrov 

How are your first impressions from being part of a team of young actors here in

Berlin? 

I did not anticipate to be part of it but I am really proud, it is a wonderful opportunity for

everyone, it’s an investment for the future. 

You already happen to be part of a successful project, Joachim Trier’s Thelma. How

was your experience working with him? 

Joachim is really talented, a very empathetic and respectful filmmaker, always interested in

what his actors have to say and to contribute to the story and the development of the

character. From pre-production to rehearsals and shooting was a great experience and I

would love to work with him again. 

What preparation did you make for your role as Thelma? 

It was long hours of preparation, especially because we have many underwater scenes

and I had to test my lung capacity and to push harder. There were days when we had to

be for 14 hours in the water. I am lucky that I have always been a swimmer so it was easier

in that sense, I was more comfortable but still a new experience. All scenes are with me

apart from two, because I got an infection in my ear and they replaced me for the last few. 

How do you feel about representing Norway and what message do you have for people

following your career? 

I am proud to be representing my country. It is interesting what’s happening with

Norwegian cinema today. It is going a bit into a more commercial direction but still

continues to be very telling of our culture, our myths and traditions. There are many

exciting projects coming from Norway. 

Would you take the step of moving abroad and working outside of Norway? 

I would like to do that. I definitely need to feel a string connection to the character I would

be playing, it needs to be a strong female figure like Thelma.

How would you place the Norwegian film industry within the general movement for

equality in the film industry? 

I am glad we have a liberal approach and equal pay in most cases. There is still things to

work on, but I think it’s going into a good direction. 

Is there someone you’d definitely like to work with? Would you do something outside of

acting? 

My favourite director is David Lynch so that would be a dream. I never studied acting, I am

currently finishing a degree in English Lit so I’d love to write a script, maybe even direct.

Also, another idea is to curate an art exhibition that has to do with literature and film,

maybe other arts too.